MercyMe’s ‘Even If’ Gets the Blockbuster Treatment in ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’
MercyMe’s Bart Millard never thought a movie would be made about his life, let alone two movies. Yet, when “I Can Only Imagine 2” hits theaters Feb. 20, 2026, audiences will feel like the story unfolding before them was made for the silver screen.
“I Can Only Imagine” became a dark-horse hit at the box office in 2018 as the journey to MercyMe’s career-defining song was explored across the popular biopic. Now, the sequel picks up the story, finding Millard (John Michael Finley) facing a crisis of faith and standing at a professional crossroads.
Following the death of his father and the unprecedented success of “Imagine,” the frontman is battling writer’s block as MercyMe prepares for a make-or-break headlining tour. Meanwhile, back at home, Millard’s son, Sam, is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, leading to a host of new parenting challenges and worries for the musician. In the process, he forges an unlikely friendship with eccentric, overly optimistic singer-songwriter Tim Timmons — played by Milo Ventimiglia — who joins the band on the road as their opening act.
As Sam (Sammy Dell), now 15 years old, struggles to give himself daily insulin shots; he, too, joins the tour with dreams of one day following in his dad’s footsteps. The weight of his chronic disease, and all the watchful care that goes with it, however, drives a wedge between father and son. A critical condition that never goes away seems like the worst-case scenario until Millard gets close enough to Timmons to learn the glass-half-full singer has cancer. Suddenly, Millard receives a perspective shift he desperately needs. The emotionally charged narrative eventually culminates in another landmark hit for MercyMe — “Even If” — an unfinished track Timmons brought to Millard to complete.
Like its predecessor, “I Can Only Imagine 2” centers around a father-son relationship. The sequel features brief memories of Millard’s challenging childhood — which included abuse at the hands of his father — and his final days with his dad, who eventually became a Christian before passing away from cancer; but mainly focuses on the volatile dynamic he now shares with his own son.
While the latest project from Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate will elicit more than a few tears, it will also evoke more than a few laughs. The natural humor of main characters like Millard and Timmons takes center stage. In addition, MercyMe’s rough-around-the-edges manager, Scott Brickell — captured by returning cast member Trace Adkins — delivers some of the film’s funniest moments. Known for a series of dramatic roles in shows like “This Is Us” and “Gilmore Girls,” Ventimiglia, who perfectly embodies Timmons’ character, also offers some surprising comedic timing. The “Heroes” star delivers a moving performance, striking just the right balance between humor and heart in his first faith-forward role. Although his portrayal of Timmons is an automatic standout, he isn’t the only shining star in “I Can Only Imagine 2.” The cast boasts a roster of talented actors across the board.
Finley — who got his start on Broadway and actually sings in the film — and Adkins resume their respective roles, both of which feel tailor made for them. Dennis Quaid also reprises his role as Millard’s father. Meanwhile, Sophie Skelton (“Outlander”) joins the ensemble as Millard’s wife, Shannon; and Arielle Kebbel (“Gilmore Girls”) joins as Timmons’ wife, Hilary. Budding star Dell (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) shines as Sam.
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Moviegoers will appreciate the way the film doesn’t sugarcoat hardship. Yet, they’ll also leave theaters inspired by the way faith can provide an unshakeable anchor in the midst of life’s inevitable storms. Both Millard and Timmons lean on the God they sing about, but their faith is also beautifully contrasted with their humanity as they navigate what it means to hold onto belief as husbands, fathers and songwriters.
Christian music fans will love the Easter eggs buried throughout the story. The movie offers nods to several notable artists across its musical score, which includes songs from Rich Mullins, Audio Adrenaline, U2 and, of course, MercyMe. During a scene depicting a session hosted by beloved Franklin-based counseling organization Porter’s Call, MercyMe bassist Nathan Cochran, former Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt and legacy artist Russ Taff make brief cameos. Furthermore, fans will instantly recognize the setting of the final sequence, filmed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre during a MercyMe concert last year.
Those who saw the first installment of “Imagine” will love the second act, and those who didn’t can just as easily follow the extended plot thanks to well-placed flashbacks that provide ample context and a fresh storyline that stands firmly on its own two feet.
Not every chart-topping single lends itself to such a dramatic portrayal, but MercyMe’s “Even If” ultimately merits its own story. The confessional ballad is inextricably linked to Horatio Spafford’s hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul,” which Spafford wrote in the wake of tragedy. That narrative complements the “Even If” story, which results in a stronger, healthier bond between Millard and his son, a lifelong friendship between Millard and Timmons and the second biggest song of MercyMe’s tenure.
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In conjunction with the film, Bart’s son, Sam Millard — who records under Sam Wesley — is getting ready to officially launch his music career. His label debut, “Living Water,” is slated for release right before the movie premieres. Additionally, for those who want to dive deeper into the lives of the protagonists, new books co-authored by Bart and Shannon (“Even If: Trusting God Through the Fire”) and Tim and Hilary (“Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief and Gratitude”), will serve as companion resources.
Both fans of MercyMe and fans of faith-based films will find “I Can Only Imagine 2” deeply satisfying. A sequel wasn’t necessary in the sense that the original story needed completing, but it’s gratifying in the sense that it expounds upon the strong foundation laid by the first volume. Think of it as the second chapter in the same book — a book about finding God in the midst of grief and the things we often don’t understand. Honestly, that’s when the story gets good — both in the movies and in real life.
